A new era of cooperation in tourism, renewable energy, education, and trade
NGAWANG JAMPHEL
Thimphu
With the historic visit of His Majesty the King to Assam in November 2023, the historically cordial ties between Bhutan and Assam have entered a new phase of enhanced collaboration and mutual goodwill.
His Majesty’s visit anticipated the enduring partnership between Bhutan and Assam and set the stage for strengthened cooperation in vital sectors such as tourism, renewable energy, education, and trade.
In addition, the participation of the Chief Minister of Assam, Himanta Biswa Sarma, as a special guest during the 117th National Day celebrations further reinforced these ties. His subsequent visit to Bhutan from December 16 to 19 also marked a pivotal moment in fostering goodwill and exploring new opportunities for regional development.
A significant milestone in boosting tourism was the Government of India’s recent approval of the Darranga Check Post as a Foreigner’s Check Post at the request of the Royal Government of Bhutan. This strategic decision is expected to have a transformative impact on tourism, particularly in the eastern regions.
The Darranga Check Post provides a direct gateway for tourists from Assam, including those visiting the renowned Kaziranga National Park, to access Bhutan’s eastern Dzongkhags. This new connectivity opens avenues for collaborative tourism initiatives between the two regions, offering tourists a seamless experience of cultural and ecological diversity.
“Tourists visiting vibrant areas like Kaziranga National Park can now extend their journeys to eastern Dzongkhags via the Darranga Check post. This initiative will significantly enhance tourism opportunities for both Assam and Bhutan,” the Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade DN Dhungyel stated during the meet the press session on December 27.
The visit of the Chief Minister of Assam to Bhutan also laid the groundwork for future collaboration in renewable energy. Both governments are exploring possibilities for exporting Bhutan’s surplus renewable energy to Assam. This aligns with Bhutan’s commitment to leveraging its hydropower potential while supporting Assam’s energy needs.
Discussions on energy cooperation are ongoing, with both sides optimistic about forging agreements that benefit the region. The Minister noted that renewable energy trade between Bhutan and Assam represents a vital step toward sustainable development and regional energy security.
Education remains a cornerstone of Bhutan-Assam relations. Over the years, the Government of Assam has been instrumental in supporting Bhutanese students by offering scholarships and educational opportunities.
In a significant development during His Majesty’s visit to Assam, the state government announced the addition of three MBBS scholarships, increasing the total slots for Bhutanese students to five annually. These scholarships provide Bhutanese students access to quality medical education, addressing critical healthcare needs back home.
“The Government of Assam has graciously increased MBBS scholarships for Bhutanese students. This gesture will not only strengthen educational ties but also contribute to Bhutan’s healthcare sector,” the minister stated.
Trade and investment have been integral to Bhutan-Assam relations. The annual Bhutan-India Regional Friendship Trade Fair, held in Jalukbari, Assam, in early February, serves as a platform to showcase goods, services, and cultural exchange.
Furthermore, the launch of Advantage Assam 2.0, an investment engagement initiative, during the Chief Minister’s visit to Bhutan, marks a new chapter in trade collaboration. Scheduled to take place in Guwahati in February 2025, the event will see Bhutan’s participation at a senior level, underscoringthe importance of economic cooperation.
“Advantage Assam 2.0 will provide a platform for Bhutan and Assam to explore investment opportunities and deepen economic ties. Both governments are committed to ensuring mutualbenefits through trade and investment,” the Foreign Minister remarked.
Beyond sector-specific collaborations, Bhutan and Assam are committed to addressing shared challenges such as climate change and regional development. Initiatives like the proposed Gallipoli Growth Model (GMG) aim to foster sustainable development through joint projects and partnerships.
“Collaborative efforts in sectors like tourism, renewable energy, trade, and education will not only strengthen our relations but also address regional challengeseffectively. Bhutan and Assam have much to gain through mutual cooperation,” Lyonpo said.
The recent high-level engagements between Bhutan and Assam have reinforced the importance of collaboration in achieving shared goals. As the two neighbours work toward enhancing ties, the focus remains on fostering mutual benefits and addressing challenges together.
